VLANs on Switches: Understanding Layer 2 Operation

Layer 2 Operation

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Question

A network technician receives a switch that is configured to support VLANs on its ports.

At which of the following layers is this switch operating?

A.

Layer 1 B.

Layer 2 C.

Layer 3 D.

Layer 4

B.

Explanations

A network technician receives a switch that is configured to support VLANs on its ports.

At which of the following layers is this switch operating?

A.

Layer 1

B.

Layer 2

C.

Layer 3

D.

Layer 4

B.

The switch in question is configured to support VLANs, which indicates that it operates at layer 2 of the OSI model. Layer 2 is the data link layer, which is responsible for the reliable transmission of data frames between adjacent network nodes over a physical medium.

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of network devices based on their functions, departmental assignments, or security requirements. A VLAN enables a network administrator to partition a single physical switch into multiple logical switches, which can be used to segment traffic and improve network security.

Switches operate at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model, and they use MAC addresses to forward frames between network devices. A switch analyzes incoming frames and forwards them only to the destination device, rather than broadcasting the frames to all devices on the network, as a hub does.

In summary, a switch that is configured to support VLANs operates at layer 2 of the OSI model, which is the data link layer.